A free booklet has just been released, providing information for small farm owners who are having trouble identifying and controlling weeds on their land. The booklet, titled Weed Detection and Control on Small Farms, is the result of two recently completed projects undertaken by the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, and funded by Land & Water Australia.

These projects, led by Professor Brian Sindel, sought to assess the risks posed by the various ‘pathways’ through which weeds can spread across Australia, and to assess weed detection and control practices used by Australian landholders and weeds inspectors.

Professor Sindel and his team confirmed the findings of other recent research, showing that many hobby farmers find it more difficult than professional farmers to control weeds on their land.

Often, this is due to lack of time and labour, insufficient knowledge about weed species and viable control options, or lack of equipment suitable to controlling a large weeds outbreak.

Nonetheless, many hobby farmers are keen to improve their ability to control weeds effectively on their land.  Effective weed control helps preserve the landscape, and makes it easier to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of owning a small farm.

Weed Detection and Control on Small Farms seeks to make the most of the enthusiasm of hobby farmers, discussing easy to use methods for identifying and controlling weeds on small farms.

The booklet defines weeds, discusses how they spread and how to minimise spread, and why it is important to control weeds on small farms.  The principles of weed detection are also discussed: where and when to look for weeds; how to identify unknown weeds or unusual plants; how to preserve a plant specimen for identification; and what to do when a new weed outbreak is found.

Suitable weed control methods for hobby farmers are covered, as well as herbicide use responsibilities, controlling large-scale weed outbreaks, and biological weed control.

Finally, the booklet identifies some of the assistance available for hobby farmers, and includes contact details and lists of weed identification resources for those who would like more information.

Hobby farmers will find weed control a much simpler task in the longer term by remaining diligent, and controlling weeds before they have a chance to spread.

It is important to work with neighbours to eradicate larger weed problems, and to seek the advice and assistance of local weeds officers.

As Professor Sindel noted, ‘Weeds constitute a significant cost to Australian agriculture and to the rural landscape.  It is critical to control widespread weeds, and prevent movement of new species into previously un-infested areas.’

‘Hobby farmers have the ability and potential to play an important role in detection and controlling new weed infestations.  We hope that this booklet will help new and experienced hobby farmers alike to improve their ability to eradicate weeds on their land, and to access the help that is available to them.’

If you are interested in finding out more, or obtaining a free copy of the booklet, please click on the link below.

https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/52367/2010.-Weed-Detection-and-Control-on-Small-Farms.pdf